In the Township of Uxbridge, the Ontario government is creating the first urban provincial park in the province, safeguarding the green spaces of southern Ontario. In addition to strengthening the long-term protection and health of the local wildlife, this proposed park in the Oak Ridges Moraine would provide opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, such as hiking and birdwatching. Provincially protected areas can also aid in environmental monitoring and scientific research.
Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks David Piccini stated, “I’m thrilled to be making today’s announcement on Earth Day.” Ontario’s conservation and biodiversity protection would benefit greatly from the establishment of the first urban provincial park in Uxbridge. We look forward to collaborating with the general public and stakeholders in the area to make this vision a reality so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the outdoors in close proximity to this rapidly expanding region.
“Opening another common park in Uxbridge would give families and individuals locally better approaches to partake in nature the entire year around,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Clergyman of Money and Individual from Common Parliament for Pickering — Uxbridge. ” Ontario’s strong provincial park system includes the province’s most scenic and beautiful areas, which will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
The proposed urban park, which was first announced in the budget for 2023, could include up to 1,315 acres (530 hectares) of provincially owned land. That is 50% larger than Central Park in New York City. The Township of Uxbridge, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, The Schad Foundation, the Regional Municipality of Durham, and the Green Durham Association are also collaborating with the province to determine the full recreational and protection potential of an urban provincial park in this region. The review region might incorporate the Durham Local Timberland, a 598 hectare (1,477 sections of land) blended wood and conifer backwoods region, possessed by the District of Durham, and a potential 120 hectares (300 sections of land) from the Municipality of Uxbridge.
In order to determine whether or not creating an urban provincial park in Uxbridge is a viable option, the government will carry out site assessments and evaluations in the coming months. In order to assist the government in making its final decision, these assessments will include discussions with Indigenous communities, the general public, local stakeholders, partners, and environmental organizations.
The government is moving forward with its promises to ensure that families have access to recreational opportunities, boost local tourism, and improve the health and protection of local wildlife and the environment by looking into the establishment of Ontario’s first urban provincial park.
The Ontario government’s budget for 2023: Building Areas of strength for a, is assisting with driving financial development, draw in positions and speculations, and fabricate key foundation projects quicker. In addition, the plan proposed by the government aims to improve services for Ontario residents, reduce costs for those most in need, and train skilled workers to fill in-demand positions.
